Undisclosed Agents Podcast #20 Tom Hollick - Expectations AND Accountability
Feb 20, 2024
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Listen to a seasoned firefighter share insights on building a positive circle of influence, enhancing fire chief training, and prioritizing accountability. Discover the evolution of packaging techniques, RIT training, and fitness standards in the fire service. Gain valuable tips on maintaining a work-life balance and showing gratitude in the profession.
Effective leaders in the fire service understand and support the needs of firefighters on the ground, leading by example and prioritizing team development.
Firefighters should embrace new perspectives by attending conferences, collaborating across departments, and challenging traditional practices to enhance effectiveness.
Promotions in the fire service should prioritize practical skills, real-world experience, and leadership qualities over check mark classes and formal education requirements.
Continuous leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities are vital for leaders to navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions.
Establishing clear expectations, holding individuals accountable, and emphasizing RIT training and physical fitness are key elements for success and effectiveness in the fire service.
Deep dives
Importance of Promoting the Right People
It is crucial to have the right individuals in leadership positions within the fire service. While there is a strong focus on training and development for firefighters, it is equally important to have competent and effective leaders at the company officer, battalion chief, and higher levels. These leaders should be individuals who understand the needs and challenges of the boots on the ground and are not disconnected from the operational realities. They should be willing to lead by example, be proactive in their approach, and prioritize the development and well-being of their teams. By promoting the right people, the fire service can create a strong and cohesive leadership that drives positive change and growth throughout the organization.
Getting Out of the Bubble and Embracing New Perspectives
To foster growth and improvement within the fire service, it is essential to encourage firefighters and leaders to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new perspectives. This can be achieved through attending conferences, participating in regional training, and seeking opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration. By exposing themselves to different ideas and approaches, firefighters can expand their knowledge, challenge traditional practices, and ultimately enhance their effectiveness on the job. Getting out of the bubble also involves breaking down barriers between departments and building strong relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Challenges with Formal Education and Check Mark Classes
The fire service should reevaluate the weight placed on formal education and check mark classes when it comes to promotions. While some educational background can be beneficial, it is crucial to prioritize practical skills, real-world experience, and leadership qualities. Check mark classes that simply fulfill requirements without truly developing skills and knowledge may not contribute significantly to individual growth and effectiveness in leadership positions. Instead, emphasis should be placed on developing well-rounded and adaptable leaders who can effectively navigate operational challenges and foster a positive and cohesive work environment.
Creating Opportunities for Leadership Training and Development
To ensure the continuous growth and development of leaders in the fire service, it is necessary to provide opportunities for leadership training and development. This includes reading relevant books, engaging in group discussions, participating in leadership-focused courses and workshops, and seeking mentors who can provide guidance and support. By investing in leadership training, the fire service can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and enable leaders to effectively navigate challenges, communicate with their teams, and make well-informed decisions that best serve their departments and communities.
Importance of Mentors and Networking
One of the key points discussed in the podcast episode was the importance of mentors and networking in the fire service. The speaker emphasized how having contacts and connections with others in the field can be incredibly beneficial. They highlighted how mentors can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights, allowing individuals to learn from those who have experienced similar challenges and have reached their goals. The speaker also mentioned the value of networking events, such as conferences and training programs, where firefighters can meet and connect with others in the profession, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives.
The Prerequisites for Advancement
Another main idea explored in the podcast episode was the discussion around the prerequisites for advancement in the fire service. The speaker questioned the necessity of traditional prerequisites, such as having particular certifications or degrees, arguing that they may exclude potentially qualified individuals from entering programs or roles. They expressed the opinion that the focus should be on the skills, knowledge, and experience individuals can bring to the table rather than solely relying on specific paper qualifications. The speaker emphasized the importance of assessing individuals based on their capabilities and potential rather than rigid prerequisites.
Accountability and Expectations in the Fire Service
The podcast also delved into the topics of accountability and expectations within the fire service. The speaker discussed the need for fire departments to establish clear expectations for their teams and emphasized that holding individuals accountable to these expectations is crucial for the success and effectiveness of the organization. They shared personal experiences where accountability was implemented, such as addressing mistakes or performance issues, and highlighted the importance of having tough conversations and addressing issues promptly, rather than letting problems build up over time. The speaker also emphasized the significance of leading by example and setting a high standard for oneself as a company officer or leader in the fire service.
Importance of RIT Training
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) training in the fire service. The hosts discuss the mistake of deprioritizing RIT training based on the statistic that only 9% of Maydays are solved by a RIT team. They highlight the need to approach RIT training differently by recognizing that the skills used in self-rescue and rescue by an interior operating crew are the same skills taught in RIT classes. The hosts argue for gathering data on whether firefighters have received survival or RIT training to understand the impact of such training on rescue outcomes.
Physical Fitness in the Fire Service
Another key topic discussed is the importance of physical fitness in the fire service. The hosts share their experiences and the need for firefighters to maintain a high level of physical fitness to perform their job effectively. They emphasize the importance of leading by example and setting standards for physical fitness, not only for the sake of the job, but also to inspire and instill confidence in fellow firefighters. The hosts highlight the need for physical fitness to go hand-in-hand with proper training, suggesting that physical fitness requirements should not be lowered, but rather combined with training exercises to enhance skills necessary for the job.
Today we had the opportunity to chat with Tom Hollick. Tom is an 18 year veteran of the fire service who currently serves as a Battalion Chief in Texas. Tom has an impressive resume thanks to his incredible passion for this profession. Some of the highlights include being an instructor with bearers of the oath, and MV fire rescue heading up amazing classes like NO QUIT RIT. This was an excellent, no bullshit conversation with someone who isn’t afraid to tell the truth about this job and what it takes to be successful. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Chief Hollick.
